Salida Raceshttp://salidaraces.org
We'll Meet You at the Finish LineThu, 18 Oct 2018 15:55:32 -0500en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8The Importance of Rest Dayshttp://salidaraces.org/the-importance-of-rest-days/
http://salidaraces.org/the-importance-of-rest-days/#respondThu, 18 Oct 2018 15:55:32 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=37[...]]]>Athletes and frequent racers, especially around the Salida area, are a hardcore group of people. Any area that can command a large group of people to participate in the High Lonesome 100—a 100-mile trail race–is bound to be intense. This intensity often translates well to race preparation, but it can also lead to overtraining. Going too hard and fast while training can result in poor habit development, muscle development imbalance, and injury. The best way to avoid overtraining is to incorporate rest days into your schedule. While it sounds counter intuitive to take periods of time away from your sport, they are crucial for a healthier, more balanced, and injury-free training period. Bodies need to recover, and having effective rest days will allow you to push harder and faster later in your training. Below, we have listed several benefits of taking time off from training.Muscle Recovery—Exercise, especially strength training, tears muscle fibers. While this tearing allows muscles to gain strength, they need healthy periods of rest to repair and grow. If you don’t incorporate rest, they’ll remain sore.Injury Prevention—Rest days prevent overuse, which can lead to pain, injury, and unpleasantness while exercising. Overuse will result in a feeling of weakness, which can lead to both light and severe injury.Sleep Benefits–Overtraining can affect sleep, putting your body in a constant state of restlessness. If your resting heart rate has increased, take a few days off and try to relax. This will help you get a good night of sound sleep. Performance Maintenance–In general, you will only start losing a noticeable amount of progress on a performance level after two weeks of non-activity. A day or two away from the gym won’t set you back; in fact, it’ll help you perform better in the sessions right after the rest. Rest days are only as helpful as they are effective. Athletes should meticulously plan their rest days—they are, after all, just as important as training days. Get as much sleep as you can, eat large, well-balanced meals, bulk up on protein, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. With the right balance of training and rest, you’ll be running, skiing, or cycling at your highest possible capacity.
]]>http://salidaraces.org/the-importance-of-rest-days/feed/0Race Prep: Cyclinghttp://salidaraces.org/race-prep-cycling/
http://salidaraces.org/race-prep-cycling/#respondFri, 07 Sep 2018 15:55:26 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=35[...]]]>Road cycling is incredibly popular in Salida, but races are some of the most underestimated events in the sports world. Many people can ride bicycles, and many of that subsection can ride quickly. However, training for a cycling race is an entirely different experience; more than a recreational hobby, it becomes difficult to keep up with elite teams, the expensive gear, long events, and hardcore training schedules. Though there are many beginner-friendly races available—especially in Salida–you should have an understanding of this type of competition before signing up for a race. The first step to preparing for a cycling race is simple: choose the right race. Salida has countless options—there are road races, mountain bike races, cyclocross, and even triathlons. Think about the type of biking you most enjoy and wouldn’t mind practicing for several hours every day. Then find the race that works for you. Once you’ve established the type of race you’d like to try, get the appropriate gear. Once you have your entry ticket and the correct equipment, you’re ready to start training. The most important aspect of cycling training is to build strength and skill. You’ll need to improve your overall fitness, but you should also work on mastering the sport itself. Of course, you already know how to ride a bike, but do you know how to pace yourself, gain speed on hills, and when to lift yourself off the seat? Probably not—yet. The best way to do this is to bike often. Top local riders will often train for 15 to 20 hours each week; do your best to fit in one hour each day, then gradually increase your speeds and distances. Bikers should also introduce tempo and interval workouts early on in their training. For tempo rides, increase your pace to a speed that feels uncomfortably fast, but remains sustainable for around fifteen minutes. Interval training will involve going all out for short segments, alternating with rest periods. If possible, squeeze in a few training sessions on the course you will eventually race, and if you’re doing a mountain or gravel race, be sure to do most of your training on the same or similar terrain. Preparing for a cycling race is a long game, and cramming a couple of weeks before the event will yield poor results. In the week before race day, reduce your training and cut back on total mileage. On the day before the race, do a short ride with small bursts of speed throughout. Don’t stress out, and don’t compare yourself to other bikers; just focus on the course and doing your personal best.
]]>http://salidaraces.org/race-prep-cycling/feed/0Race Prep: Runninghttp://salidaraces.org/race-prep-running/
http://salidaraces.org/race-prep-running/#respondThu, 14 Jun 2018 21:05:45 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=30[...]]]>Running is one of the most intimidating sports out there, and even seasoned racers experience stress in the days leading up to a big event. Unlike most races, running requires little equipment—shoes, clothing, and an optional hydration system are the only variable pieces. As a result, race preparation and training are essential for even the shortest of races or the most experienced of runners. Popular Couch to 5K programs emphasize that even the smallest amount of effort can make a difference on race day, but longer distances necessitate a strict training and eating schedule. Below, we have included a few of our favorite running race prep tips.

Athletes should choose their training programs based on the length of their race. Most beginner 5K programs are between four and six weeks long, while 10K and half marathons can take around 12 weeks of training. If you are thinking of undertaking a marathon, you should give yourself at least 18 weeks to complete a training program. It is essential to choose a race based on your current fitness level—most training programs require a base weekly distance, so don’t expect to run a marathon in 18 weeks if you cannot currently run a mile.

When it comes to training, runners should focus on the sport itself—running—and strength training. Though preparation varies from program to program, serious runners should aim to incorporate at least four days of running each week, one day of additional cardio (kickboxing, cycling, skiing, &c), and two to three days of strength training (can be combined with cardio days). It is essential to work on strengthening each part of your body; though running is primarily a lower body workout, spend some time toning your arms and abdominal muscles. You may be surprised by what is sore after a race.

As with every race, it is essential for athletes to give their bodies time to rest between intense workouts. If you are preparing for a marathon with 10mi+ runs, rest or do low-impact exercises between long runs. If you feel like something is wrong, take a few days off and see a doctor. If you have to take a break from training, focus on your diet, stretching, and mental preparation for the race ahead.

]]>http://salidaraces.org/race-prep-running/feed/0Winter Sports Racinghttp://salidaraces.org/winter-sports-racing/
http://salidaraces.org/winter-sports-racing/#respondMon, 18 Dec 2017 21:27:18 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=15[...]]]>While summer sports tend to dominate the racing scene in Salida, it’s a year-round wonderland. clip into your alpine skis for downhill racing at Monarch, snap into your cross country skis for the Cosmic competitive cross-country ski series, and strap on your snowshoes for snow runs throughout the winter. And when you’re done with all that, pick yourself up a sled dog or 10, and sign up for some skijoring or sled-dog races. Here’s a few races to look out for if you like rosy cheeks and icicles in your beard.

The Town Challenge Ski Race Series – The Town Challenge Ski Race Series is a series of team slalom races that run January through March at Monarch Ski Area just down the road from Salida. The races feature races for all ages and abilities, including telemark, A-league skiing, B-league skiing, snowboard, masters divisions, and super seniors. Compete in individual events, or as a team with other racing enthusiasts.

Monarch Mountain Race the Divide – Part of the Cosmic series mountaineering competitive ski racing series, the Monarch Mountain Race the Divide is a grueling cross country ski race over the continental divide in the middle of winter, covering miles of challenging terrain and over 3,000 feet of elevation gain on Monarch Mountain. And if you’re into that kind of thing and want to more Cosmic Series fun, the Wolf Creek Rando and the Griggs Orthopedic Ski Mountaineering Ski Race are over the hills and through the woods in the neighboring San Luis Valley.

Christmas Mountain Run – If you can’t get enough trail running in during the summer, there are a number of snow runs in the area, most sponsored by the Chaffee County Running Club. The Christmas Mountain Run in mid-December is one of our favorites.

The Dryland Mush – Okay, so it doesn’t technically take place on dog sleds, but it does feature sled dogs. The Dryland Mush in Buena Vista is held in November each year and features teams of dogs participating in cart races as well as modified skijoring (a single dog or two pulling a contestant on skis – or in this case, a bicycle since it’s a dryland event).

]]>http://salidaraces.org/winter-sports-racing/feed/0Cycling: Two Wheel Wondershttp://salidaraces.org/cycling-two-wheel-wonders/
http://salidaraces.org/cycling-two-wheel-wonders/#respondMon, 18 Dec 2017 21:26:27 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=13[...]]]>Salida was already known as a cyclist’s paradise before mountain bikes hit the scene. The long, lonely, wandering blacktops that weave their way through the surrounding valleys and mountains make for some of the most beautiful and challenging road biking in the country. Throw the thousands of miles of dirt roads, doubletrack, and mountainous singletrack into the mix, and it’s easy to see why Salida has become a bucket list destination for roadies and trailhounds alike. Feel like rubbing cassettes with some other riders while you spin the grinders and bomb the downhills? Here’s a list of road races, enduros, cyclocross, and trail races for bikers of all shapes and sizes!

Salida Bike Fest – This annual bike festival held annually in September in Salida includes the Chainless Bike Race, the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race, and the Monarch Crest Crank road race, among others. Experience great racing, and even better times, over the course of this three day fall fest.

Salida Classic Time Trial, Criterium, and Road Race – Now in its 13th year, this is a three-day winner-take-all celebration of road racing in, around, and through Salida, Colorado.

Vapor Trail 125 – This invitation only, 24 hour enduro mountain biking race starts at 10 p.m. and finishes the following day, having covered 125 miles, over 17,000 feet of elevation gain, and is known as one of the most brutal, demanding, and rewarding mountain bike races in the country. Participants bike, walk, and carry (yes, carry) their bikes across some of the most challenging and beautiful country in Colorful Colorado.

The Whole Enchilada Enduro – A tiered mountain biking race out of Salida, the Whole Enchilada Enduro features races ranging from 13.5 to 37 depending on your personal penchant for pain and levels of biking experience.

]]>http://salidaraces.org/cycling-two-wheel-wonders/feed/0Land Races: Keep Your Feet on the Ground!http://salidaraces.org/land-races-keep-your-feet-on-the-ground/
http://salidaraces.org/land-races-keep-your-feet-on-the-ground/#respondMon, 18 Dec 2017 21:21:22 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=11[...]]]>If you prefer pounding the pavement to paddling the surf, Salida has more than its fair share of race options for you as well. There are over 300 identified hiking trails, run courses, bike paths, and roads in the immediate vicinity of Salida, and thousands more miles of trails to explore in the surrounding Sangre De Cristo mountain range and the San Luis Valley. You could run your entire life and not run the same route twice. But what if you’re looking for more than rock-hopping and frolicking through the forest? Here’s a list of road races, trail races, and ultras that are within a stone’s throw of Salida, CO.

FIBark 5K & 10K Road Races, and 10K Trail Race – A great way to kick off a day of whitewater hijinks!

Run Through Time Marathon, ½ Marathon, and 2 Mile Fun Run – 26.2 miles, 11.7 on singletrack mountain trails, 4,750 feet of climbing, and 450 runners. May the best runner win!

Two Turkey Relay – Find a friend and run back to back legs on this 2 mile course through downtown Salida.

Sleeping Indian Hill Climb and 28K – the Sleeping Indian takes place during the annual 14er fest held every September in neighboring Buena Vista. The hill climb is an intense 5.8 mile “sprint” on local trails, while the 28k is a challenging ½ marathon through the surrounding mountains.

Collegiate Peaks Trail Run – Collegiate Peaks Trail Run starts out of Buena Vista, CO and includes grueling 25 and 50 mile runs through some of Colorado’s most pristine mountain landscapes.

National High School Trail Running Championships – a 6 mile trail race out of Salina that is open to all comers entering grades 8-12 in the next calendar year.

High Lonesome 100 – If you’re a glutton for punishment, the High Lonesome 100 is a 100 mile trail race through the beautiful Sawatch Mountains. Topping out at 13,150 feet of elevation, and with more than 24,500 feet of vertical climbing, this epic ultramarathon trail race draws elite runners from across the nation and the globe.

]]>http://salidaraces.org/land-races-keep-your-feet-on-the-ground/feed/0Whitewater Racing in Salidahttp://salidaraces.org/whitewater-racing-in-salida/
http://salidaraces.org/whitewater-racing-in-salida/#respondMon, 18 Dec 2017 21:03:04 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=9[...]]]>The Upper Arkansas River is known as some of the best whitewater in the country, home to too many epic runs to mention and the ever-popular Brown’s Canyon, a nationally renowned stretch of whitewater that accommodates peaceful floats and monster rapids all in a single trip. When it comes to whitewater racing in Salida, look no further than the FIBArk festival to wet your appetite!

FIBArk for Beginners

The FIBArk festival (which stands for First In Boating on the Arkansas) started in 1949, is the oldest whitewater festival in the United States, and is held annually in mid-June in Salida. It is THE place to be if you’re a whitewater enthusiast, and entails 4 packed days of river rat heaven. Here’s the short list of whitewater racing events you’ll find at FIBArk if you’re looking for competitions to enter:

Numbers Boater Races

Freestyle Kayak

Raft Sprint

SUP Surf Competitions

SUP Surf Cross (Demo Derby SUP Style)

Slalom Races

Downriver Raft, SUP, Kayak, and Canoe Races

Hooligan Race (A Make-Your-Own Whitewater Raft Race)

And if those whitewater options don’t peak your interest in the FIBark festival, there’s plenty of foam around the taps at free concerts and other fun events running throughout this 4 day whitewater racing extravaganza!

]]>http://salidaraces.org/whitewater-racing-in-salida/feed/0Salida Raceshttp://salidaraces.org/salida-races/
http://salidaraces.org/salida-races/#respondMon, 18 Dec 2017 21:02:37 +0000http://salidaraces.org/?p=7[...]]]>There are all kinds of racing meccas in the world. Formula One Racing has Monaco. Marathoners have the Boston Marathon. Horse Racing has Churchill Downs. Cyclists have the Tour de France. Daytona, the Iditarod, the Admiral’s Cup, the Terre Haute Action Track. The list goes on and on. For outdoor enthusiasts who embrace everything from mountain biking and trail running to cross country skiing and dog sledding, you can add Salida, CO to that list.

Count yours truly among the faithful. I first discovered Salida in my early twenties, when I visited over spring break with a college buddy whose parents had a cabin just outside of town. To make a long story short, I fell in love. Located in the upper Arkansas Valley in west-central Colorado, Salida is within a stone’s throw of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range, the San Luis Valley, 12 fourteeners and countless other peaks, and sits on the headwaters of the Arkansas River. As such, it’s a veritable playground for those who love the outdoors, including mountain bikers, cyclists, road runners, trail runners, kayakers, rafters, skiers, and snowshoe enthusiasts, myself included. And if you like to ramp it up a notch and add some competition to the mix, even better. In fact, that’s what we’re all about.

Here at Salida races, we’re in-the-know about the best and baddest races in town, from the FiBark Festival to the High Lonesome 100. Think of us like that river rat at the bar who knows every turn in the river, the gear head who has mapped every single track, drop, and rock garden, or the asphalt eater who won’t shut up about that last set of fartleks and their most recent PR. In short, if you like to get your heart racing, the sweat flowing, and the andrenaline pumping, you’re in the right place. Read on.